Melissa Williamson Nelson, Business Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and General · 4.9/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews
CounselatMcGuireWoods LLP
Jacksonville, FL
Practicing business in Jacksonville since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 20 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Melissa Williamson Nelson?
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Quick answer
Melissa Williamson Nelson is a counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Melissa has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
- Based in
- Jacksonville, FL
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Jacksonville, FL.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Melissa Williamson Nelson: Melissa Williamson Nelson is a counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Melissa has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Melissa takes on
Melissa concentrates on business, criminal defense, general, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Business cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Melissa takes business matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Melissa takes criminal defense matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
General cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Melissa takes general matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Melissa takes litigation matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Jacksonville, Florida
Melissa takes white collar matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Melissa Williamson Nelson — business lawyer in Jacksonville
Melissa Williamson Nelson is a counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Melissa has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
Ms. Melissa Williamson Nelson is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, white collar defense, criminal law and 1 other area of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Melissa practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Jacksonville, FL.
Melissa's approach to business cases
Ms. Melissa Williamson Nelson is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, white collar defense, criminal law and 1 other area of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Melissa practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Jacksonville, FL.
The kind of cases Melissa takes
Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and general matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Florida
J.D. · 1997
University of Florida
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Melissa's state bar admissions
Florida
1998 · ACTIVE
Melissa studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Melissa completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Melissa has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Melissa Williamson Nelson's office in Jacksonville
Melissa's primary office is at Bank of America Twr., 50 N. Laura St., Ste. 3300, Jacksonville, FL, 32202-3661. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McGuireWoods LLP
Bank of America Twr., 50 N. Laura St., Ste. 3300
Jacksonville, FL 32202-3661
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Melissa Williamson Nelson — 4.9/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Melissa. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Jacksonville.
4.9
20 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melissa Williamson Nelson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Melissa Williamson Nelson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Jacksonville, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Melissa
Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Melissa Williamson Nelson
How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melissa offer a free consultation?
Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?
Melissa is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melissa accepting new business clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Melissa handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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